1. ZoroastrianismGathas Zoroaster/Zarathustra Avesta (btw. 1700 and 1500 BC) Vohu Manah (“Good Mind/Purpose”) Ahura Mazda (Ohrmazd/“Wise Lord”/God) Angra Mainyu (Ahriman)

2. 549-331 BC Achaemenid Empire 331 BC Alexander the Great defeats Persians at Gaugamela, invades empire 311-141 BC Seleucids rule Persia 141 BC-224 AD Arcasids (Parthians) rule Persia 224 AD Sasanians take control of Persia, establish…

3. Canonical version of Avesta Structures for governance of religion Reformed 365-day calendar Periodic persecutions of non-Zoroastrians

4. 7th c. Muslims conquer Persia dhimmis 10th c. Some Zoroastrians flee Persia to Gujarat, found Parsi community 11th c. Turkish invasions of Muslim world 13th c. Mongol invasions of Muslim world 19th c. Start of major reforms in Zoroastrianism: good thoughts, good words, good deeds

5. Ahura Mazda vs. Angra Mainyu Spenta Mainyu (Ahura Mazda’s creative energy) Dualisms asha (good/righteousness) vs. druj (evil/deceit)

6. Amesha Spentas (“Holy Immortals”) Vohu Manah (Good Mind/Purpose) Asha Vahishta (Truth/Righteousness) Spenta Armaiti (Holy Devotion) Khshathra Vairya (Good Power/Right Rule) Haurvatat (Wholeness/Perfection) Ameretat (Immortality)

7. Bridge of the Separator daena House of Song (Heaven) House of Lies (Hell) Frasho-kereti (Frashegird, “Renovation”) yazatas (≈ angels)

8. Childbirth: Confinement after childbirth Ritual bath Importance of name

9. Navjote: btw. 7 and 15 sudreh (sacred shirt) kusti (sacred cord)

10. Marriage: Sensitive issue At bride’s home, evening Sacred baths, white clothes Contract, hand-tying, rings invocations, addresses, feasting

11. Death: Ritual preparation of body Dog to combat Druj-i-Nasush Funeral attended by men only, in white dakhma